HISTORY

Inspiring Success Since 1983

The WorkPlace serves as the workforce development board for Southwestern Connecticut, helping prepare people for careers and strengthening the workforce for employers. Our many programs and partnerships — including job training, career services and employment — have made a difference in the lives of thousands. We have been an advocate and community partner, working to address the region’s present and future workforce issues.

Throughout the years, The WorkPlace has expanded services and geographic coverage on a targeted basis. We have forged new partnerships, driven by common goals, smart economics and supported by innovative funding sources. Our collective expertise building projects and delivering results often leads to new opportunities. We are always asking, “How can we do it better?” This spirit infuses our passion for making a difference through innovation.

Milestones

  • 2001: Workforce Investment Board of the Year, Distinguished Performance Award, National Alliance of Business.
  • 2006: Created the Insurance and Financial Services Center for Educational Excellence
  • 2007: Champion of Compassion, U.S. DOL Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives.
  • 2008: Created the state-wide Mortgage Crisis Job Training Program.
  • 2011: Launched nationally recognized Platform to Employment program to help the long-term unemployed return to work.
  • 2012: Profiled on ’60 Minutes’ and in other national media for efforts to assist the long-term unemployed.
  • 2012: Founded the Southwest Connecticut Health Career Academy to help workers find employment in the healthcare industry.
  • 2015: Created WP Ventures, a fee-for-service division including Engage Staffing and the bluegreen Research Institute.
  • 2016: National Renewal Awards recipient from Atlantic Media and Allstate – Recognized for dynamic and innovative programing.
  • 2016: Elevated to national operator status with grant award for the Senior Community Service Employment Program.
  • 2016: Launched Platform to Employment in Rhode Island helping the long-term unemployed return to work.
  • 2017: Became American Job Center Operators in Providence and Cranston, RI.
  • 2018: Became American Job Center Operators and Providers in New Bedford, MA and Elmira, NY.
  • 2018: Became American Job Center Operator in Newport News and Petersburg, VA.
  • 2019: Became American Job Center Operators in Norfolk and Roanoke, VA.
  • 2019: Launched new American Job Center Career Coach, a mobile one-stop on wheels.
  • 2020: Responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, The WorkPlace provided remote training and services maintaining operations.
  • 2020: Launched RecoveryWorks, a workforce solution to address the impact of the opioid crisis on Connecticut’s workforce.
  • 2020: Founded ApprenticeshipWorks to help young adults access academic and technical training in manufacturing.
  • 2020: Relocated main office to 1000 Lafayette Blvd in Bridgeport, CT.

Since 1996 have raised more than $231 million in public funding, business and foundation grants and fee-for-services enterprises in support of workforce development programming.